Were your Romany, Traveller or Fairground ancestors also circus performers? As you may know, 2018 marks the 250th anniversary of the invention in Britain of the modern circus, thanks to the pioneering entrepreneur Mr Philip Astley. And we hear that actor and circus history enthusiast Chris Barltrop will be bringing Philip Astley to life at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from next week.
 
Performances of Chris as the “Adacious Mr Astley” will take place at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh EH8 9TJ, every day at 11.45am from 1 to 27 August. Find out more and how to book tickets at the Centre for Circus Culture website here.